Elisabeth Sparkle: There was some minor substance abuse
Scenario
The fading star uses a black market drug: a cell replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself. Ray Liotta was cast in the film in February 2022, but died in May of that year before he could film his scenes. Dennis Quaid replaced him, but Liotta is still mentioned in the director’s “Notes of Thanks” during the closing credits. The bathroom mirror appears intact after being smashed several times during a fight scene.
It could have been great
Special thanks at the end go to the many extras on the stage who were bloodied. Appeared in The 7PM Project: Episode September 20, 2024 (2024). Pump It UpWritten by: Michael Hall, Leonardo StellaArtist: Earl GregoryProduced by: Julien Deguines. Aging is not a bad thing.
I love photos
The fast-paced, close-ups, suspenseful sounds, and vibrant colors are amazing. It’s a very elegant style. Demi Moore, Dennis Quaid, and Margaret Qualley are great in The Substance. The story is really original in some ways.
The first part is amazing
At times, it feels a bit like Requiem for a Dreaming (but worse and in a gore version). For example, the close-ups, the quick resolution of the two stories, and of course, the disgusting needle marks. But the film has a lot to offer. I might go see it again and leave after the last 20 minutes.
What was the goal?
The last sequence was completely unnecessary. To create a shock effect or to disgust? At this point, the film completely lost my attention. Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, the New York Film Festival, and many more.